How to Get Permanent Residency for Secondary School Teacher in Australia
- RACC Australia - Education and Migration Services
- Jun 27
- 2 min read

With teacher shortages across Australia and a high demand for skilled educators, many aspiring teachers are now asking how to become a secondary school teacher in Australia. Whether you are studying locally or holding overseas qualifications, this guide will help you understand what you need, from education pathways to migration options and registration requirements.
Required Qualifications to Become a Secondary School Teacher
To become a secondary school teacher in Australia, you must complete one of the following study pathways:
A Bachelor of Education (Secondary)
A bachelor’s degree in another discipline, followed by a Master of Teaching (Secondary)
Both study paths must be undertaken through accredited initial teacher education (ITE) programs recognised in Australia.
If you completed your education overseas, you may still be eligible as long as your qualifications meet the Australian standard and are verified through the skills assessment process.
AITSL Skills Assessment for Overseas Graduates
If you obtained your teaching qualification overseas, you must complete a skills assessment through the Australian Institute for Teaching and School Leadership (AITSL). This assessment is mandatory for migration purposes.
To receive a positive outcome from AITSL, you must:
Have completed at least four years of higher education study
Include at least one year of teacher preparation
Complete a minimum of 45 days of supervised teaching practice in a secondary school
Meet English language requirements through IELTS only (7.0 in reading and writing, and 8.0 in speaking and listening)
AITSL does not accept any other English tests.
Teacher Registration Process in Australia
After completing your teaching qualifications and obtaining a positive skills assessment, the next step is to register as a teacher in the state or territory where you intend to work.
Apply for provisional registration
Complete at least 80 days of teaching in an Australian or New Zealand school
Apply for full registration by demonstrating that you meet the Proficient stage of the Australian Professional Standards for Teachers
Registration is handled by each state or territory's teacher regulatory authority.
Visa Pathways for Secondary School Teachers
Secondary School Teacher (ANZSCO 241411) is listed on both the Medium and Long-term Strategic Skills List (MLTSSL) and the Consolidated Sponsored Occupation List (CSOL). This makes the occupation eligible for a wide range of skilled and employer-sponsored migration options.
Skilled Migration Visas:
Subclass 189 – Skilled Independent Visa
Subclass 190 – Skilled Nominated Visa
Subclass 491 – Skilled Work Regional (Provisional) Visa
Employer-Sponsored Visas:
Subclass 482 – Temporary Skill Shortage (Skills in Demand stream)
Subclass 186 – Employer Nomination Scheme
Subclass 494 – Skilled Employer Sponsored Regional (Provisional)
Subclass 407 – Training Visa
With recent invitation rounds accepting candidates from as low as 70 points, now is a strong time to consider applying.
How to Become a Secondary School Teacher in Australia with RACC
If you're wondering how to become a secondary school teacher in Australia and need personalised support, our registered migration team can guide you through the process. Whether you are just starting out or already have overseas qualifications, we can assist with:
Choosing the right accredited teaching course
Completing your AITSL skills assessment
Understanding state-based teacher registration
Exploring the best visa options for your situation
Book a free consultation with RACC Australia today and get expert guidance tailored to your teaching journey!
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